Earth Structure and Systems: Introduction

 

What do you get when you take a bunch of matter, organize it, and tie it together with energy? You get our planet. Well, maybe it's not that simple, but the earth is essentially built of the smallest particles of matter organized into large complex systems that are powered by the flow of energy. This is what supports life on earth. In this section we're going to shift our perspective from looking at teeny-tiny atoms to looking at large, powerful earth systems.

earth systems

Section Objectives Icon Lesson Objectives

 

After you have completed this lesson, you will be able to:

  1. Explain how the Earth's support systems (hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) are connected and support life.
  2. Explain the cycling of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and other nutrients in ecosystems.

Section Warm-Up Lesson Warm-up

 

The eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 was one of the most significant eruptions in the continental US since the early 1900's. It destroyed over 270 square miles of forest and sent smoke and ash as high up as 80,000 meters into the atmosphere. As many as 11 states reported finding significant ash deposits days after the event.

What systems on earth do you think were impacted by this major geologic event? Why do you think these systems in particular were affected? Create a graphic organizer or set of notes to help explain your answers. Sample graphic organizers can be found here.

Click each picture below.

  • MMt. St. Helens before the eruption.
  • Mt. St. Helens from space.
  • Mt. St. Helens during the eruption.
  • Mt. St. Helens destruction of a car.
  • Mt. St. Helens 25 years later.

 

Reading Questions

 

As you read the text, keep an eye out for the answers to the following questions. Use the reading guide worksheet to take notes as you go along.

  • What systems keep us and other organisms alive?
  • How do changes in earth's major systems affect life?
  • How is matter cycled through earth's major systems?
  • What powers the earth's major biogeochemical cycles?